Marin Voice: California has responsibility to preserve biodiversity
Marin Voice: California has responsibility to preserve biodiversity Marin Independent Journal
sdgtalks
California Biodiversity Day: A Report on the State’s Biodiversity Initiative
Sept. 7 is California Biodiversity Day. It marks the sixth anniversary of the launch of the state’s biodiversity initiative.
The Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The California Biodiversity Day is a significant event that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The state’s biodiversity initiative aims to preserve California’s unique biodiversity heritage through various strategies, including education, scientific research, and improved coordination among state agencies.
Celebrating Biodiversity
On this day, it is important to celebrate and appreciate biodiversity. The California Academy of Sciences invites everyone to participate in a fun search for local components of biodiversity. Additionally, many Marin agencies will organize activities to engage the local community.
The Biodiversity Crisis
The California Biodiversity Day also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the severity of the biodiversity crisis and explore new approaches to address it. The crisis refers to the rapid loss of life’s variety on Earth, from genes to ecosystems.
Over millions of years of evolution, a rich heritage has been disappearing. Numerous species, often confined to specific areas and playing unique roles in complex ecosystems, are being replaced by a smaller number of widespread, adaptable species. This shift also involves the introduction of new combinations of species that were previously isolated from each other.
New Concepts for Addressing the Crisis
While the situation is unprecedented, two new concepts can guide our thoughts and actions in dealing with the biodiversity crisis.
- Sociobiodiversity: This concept recognizes the strong link between the diversity of other species and the diversity of human societies and cultures. Research has shown that approximately 80% of nonhuman species diversity exists in areas managed by indigenous communities, where cultural and linguistic diversity is also high. Preserving traditional land use patterns supports local cultures, conserves biodiversity, and provides valuable ecosystem services.
- One Health: The “one health” concept highlights the interconnectedness between ecosystem health and human health. Our simplified ecosystems tend to be unstable, and many biological components survive because they have adapted to human disturbances. However, these adaptations can have negative consequences for humans. Ecosystem disruption and simplification have been linked to the emergence and spread of diseases such as HIV, Ebola, Chikungunya, Swine flu, and COVID-19. Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems can help mitigate these risks.
Promoting Biodiversity and Human Health
Engaging in activities that protect and restore biodiversity not only benefits the environment but also improves human health.
- Participating in protection and restoration activities in Marin’s parks and preserves can yield health benefits beyond what is typically considered.
- Supporting small-scale diversified agricultural systems in Marin by purchasing food from local producers can enhance both our health and the environment’s well-being.
Addressing Urban Biodiversity Loss and Health Inequities
Urban areas contribute to biodiversity loss and human health problems, often in inequitable ways. Many neighborhoods lack green spaces and are dominated by asphalt and concrete, particularly in low-income areas. Even where there is some greenery, the lack of native plants creates “wildlife food deserts,” which can negatively impact mental health and contribute to diseases like asthma and childhood leukemia.
Promoting equitable urban restoration involves increasing the proportions of native plants and their dependents in built areas and planned developments.
Conclusion
California Biodiversity Day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity and addressing the biodiversity crisis. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and adopting new concepts such as sociobiodiversity and one health, we can work towards a more sustainable future that benefits both nature and human well-being.
Paul da Silva, of Larkspur, is a biologist and a founder of the Marin Biodiversity Corridor Initiative. Learn more at marinbiodiversity.org.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
- Indicator: The article discusses the rapid loss of biodiversity and the disappearance of species due to human activities, highlighting the need to take action to protect and preserve biodiversity.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator: The article mentions the inequitable distribution of green spaces in urban areas, with lower-income neighborhoods having lower proportions of plant cover. It suggests promoting equitable urban restoration by increasing the proportions of native plants in built areas and areas planned for new development.
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator: The article discusses the negative impacts of simplified ecosystems and ecosystem disruption on human health. It mentions the origin and spread of diseases such as HIV, Ebola, chikungunya, swine flu, and COVID-19 due to ecosystem disruption and simplification.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | The article discusses the rapid loss of biodiversity and the disappearance of species due to human activities, highlighting the need to take action to protect and preserve biodiversity. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. | The article mentions the inequitable distribution of green spaces in urban areas, with lower-income neighborhoods having lower proportions of plant cover. It suggests promoting equitable urban restoration by increasing the proportions of native plants in built areas and areas planned for new development. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | The article discusses the negative impacts of simplified ecosystems and ecosystem disruption on human health. It mentions the origin and spread of diseases such as HIV, Ebola, chikungunya, swine flu, and COVID-19 due to ecosystem disruption and simplification. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: marinij.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
